The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday said Christian Michel, accused of bribery in VVIP chopper AgustaWestland deal, is being extradited to India.
The CBI in a formal statement said:
“Christian Michel entered into criminal conspiracy with co-accused persons and in pursuance thereof, the public servants had abused their official positions by reduction of service ceiling of the VVIPs helicopter from 6000 metres to 4500 metres and a contract for an amount of Euro 556.262 million was awarded to AgustaWestland International Ltd (AWIL), UK by the government of India through Ministry of Defence on 08.02.2010 for the procurement of 12 VVIP/non VVIP helicopters.”
“Wanted fugitive criminal Christian Michel James who has been avoiding criminal proceedings in India in AgustaWestland Case is being extradited by UAE Authorities to India. Under the guidance of Shri Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor (NSA), the entire operation is being coordinated by Incharge Director/CBI Shri M. Nageswara Rao. A team lead by Shri A. Sai Manohar, Joint Director/CBI has been to Dubai for the purpose,” said CBI spokesperson Abhishek Dayal .